Gates of Olympus: The Math Behind the 5,000x Cap

Game Audit by Marc-André Fortin | Feb 4, 2026

Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play) is arguably the most popular slot in Canada right now. But popularity doesn't mean profitability.

I audited the game files to verify the Return to Player (RTP) and calculate the true volatility cost.

The Technical Data

The "Global Multiplier" Mechanic

This is why the game is volatile. During the base game, multipliers (2x to 500x) reset after every spin.

In Free Spins (15 Spins): The multipliers do not reset. If you hit a 50x orb on Spin 1, that 50x stays in the "Global Pot" for Spin 2, 3, and 15. This is how exponential wins happen.

Audit: The Bonus Buy (100x Cost)

You can buy the bonus for 100x your bet. Is it +EV?

Short Answer: No. The RTP of the Bonus Buy is exactly the same (96.50%). Buying the bonus does not increase your odds of winning; it only increases your variance.

• Risk: You can buy a $100 bonus and win back $5.
• Strategy: Only buy if your bankroll can sustain at least 20 losses in a row.

The "Ante Bet" (Double Chance)

For 25% extra cost per spin, you double your chance of hitting 4 Scatters. This is mathematically superior to the Bonus Buy for players with smaller bankrolls, as it keeps your burn rate lower while still hunting the bonus.

Verdict: 9/10 (If You Can Handle Swings)

Gates of Olympus is a "Gold Tier" slot because of its high RTP (96.50%). Many competitors are lowering their RTPs to 94%.